Running a business from home can be an extremely rewarding experience.
However, there are numerous challenges you might face while setting up and opening your home business.
With a 9-to-5 home life in mind, here are just a few hurdles you might need to overcome when opening a home business in 2016:
Set up a Suitable Workspace
One of the main challenges of starting a home business is setting up a suitable workspace. Not all home environments promote productivity, which is why it’s so important to take the proper time when arranging your workspace.
Choosing a space that’s separate from other living areas is ideal.
For example, an upstairs spare bedroom or basement space proves both suitable choices. If neither of these is available, make sure the space you choose can at least be closed off from the rest of the house.
In addition, you’ll want to choose a space that is relatively quiet.
A room that’s right next to or shares space with your family room or other communal areas is not ideal.
If you’re unable to find a quiet area for your workspace, consider soundproofing your space with sound deadening panels or use noise-cancelling headphones while you work.
Separate Work and Home Life
Separating your work from your home life is hard enough when you work a regular office job, so you can imagine how difficult it might be separating the two when you work from home.
In the article “Expert Interview Series: Susan Rakowski About Starting a Business from Your Home“, Rakowski describes the importance of separating work and family life.
Fortunately, it’s easier than you might think to accomplish this.
By simply having a discussion with your family members and setting boundaries, you can run a productive home business without affecting your home life and familial relationships.
This may take time, so make sure you’re vocal about your home business with others in your family to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Create a Routine
After you’ve chosen a workspace and discussed your home business goals with your family members, you then need to create a routine. Remember, just because you work from home doesn’t mean you won’t have business hours.
Choosing business hours that take place when your house is empty and quiet is the most effective way to go.
However, if your home is occupied around the clock, make sure you establish “quiet hours” with others in your family.
This should be a designated time where no one bothers you in your home workspace.
Avoid Distractions
No matter how isolated or quiet your workspace is, there will always be distractions in your home. Whether it’s your cable package and your flat screen television, household chores, or snack food in your kitchen, household distractions can ruin your productivity.
That’s why it’s crucial to remove all distractions from your workspace.
If that means removing the television from your home office and getting rid of that junk food in your pantry, then so be it. Fewer distractions will result in a successful home business.
If you’re considering starting a home business, then keep in mind some of the pointers mentioned above.
About the Author: Adam Groff is a freelance writer and creator of content. He writes on a variety of topics including home businesses and workplace productivity.
